Chelsea misfit Yuri Zhirkov is on the brink of a return to his native Russia.

Russian international Zhirkov is set to join rising force Anzhi Makhachkala for £13million as Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas begins a shake-up of his squad.

Zhirkov, who turns 28 later this month, has struggled to settle in London in the two years since joining from CSKA Moscow.

Despite his versatility, he has never been able to dislodge Ashley Cole at left-back and did not settle his midfield either.

His departure will open the door for young left-backs Patrick van Aanholt and Ryan Bertrand and also create room for a foreign signing in the Blues' already tight 25-man Premier League squad list.

Tottenham playmaker Luka Modric is top of their list and an improved £30m-plus bid is expected in the next few days, even though Spurs insist he's not for sale and have straight-batted two earlier offers.

Chelsea also want Anderlecht forward Romelu Lukaku, and have lodged a £15m bid, but the Belgian has warned interested clubs he doesn't want to be loaned out.

Earlier this summer, the Blues landed Genk goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois in a £9.5m deal, only to immediately loan him out to Atletico Madrid.

Anderlecht want around £20m for 18-year-old Lukaku, who has publicly said he wants to join Chelsea.

"I want to go to a club where I can develop further," he said. "At the moment, I am patient. When I do leave, it will not be to be lent on as Courtois has been."